Our Story

Our Story. Our Staff.

The Park Danforth has an excellent reputation throughout the region, not only for the high quality of life we offer, but for the genuine caring we show all of our residents.

That reputation is due in large part to the people our residents interact with every day. The Park Danforth staff serves residents with equal measures of love and skill, resulting in a place called “home,” where everyone is happy and fulfilled.

When new residents move here, they’re met with unassuming expertise. Unashamed empathy. Unparalleled service. It impacts their lives every day, making it richer, happier, more satisfying.

Meet The Staff

On this page we’ll share profiles and photos of some of our key staffers:

Turner Rust, Executive Chef

“It’s nice to cook for people who appreciate it.” Since July 2013, Turner Rust has been The Park Danforth’s lovable, talented Executive Chef, overseeing all of our Dining Services in both our splendid Main Dining Room and the cozy Clark’s Terrace Dining Room.

Turner attended the highly regarded New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont. “My mother always said I was going to be a chef,” he laughs. “I’ve been cooking professionally since I was 19. I’ve cooked in Colorado, Washington, D.C. and other places, but I’ve always come back to Maine.”

Known for his warm relationships with our residents and his careful attention to nutrition, flavor and choice at every meal, Turner’s contribution to life at The Park Danforth is almost immeasurable. Residents look forward to dinner each day, and Turner and his staff never disappoint.

“In some ways, we’re the backbone of this facility,” he says. “When residents are eating well, they’re in a better mood, feeling happier and healthier.”

Turner’s menus try to offer something for everyone, emphasizing wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition. “We try to make things as healthy as we can, but at the same time try to offer some comfort food that makes people happy.”

He’s philosophical about all the effort he and his team put into making our Dining Services so delightful. “I don’t mind all the work we do here, this really isn’t a ‘job’ to me,” he smiles. Clearly, Turner Rust is just doing what he loves!

“The staff at The Park Danforth was awesome at giving my sister the support and comfort she needed to feel like she belonged. Along with supporting my sister, they also supported me in this transition. I feel like I can be a sister again instead of a caregiver!” Susan G., AL

“The staff at The Park Danforth was awesome at giving my sister the support and comfort she needed to feel like she belonged. Along with supporting my sister, they also supported me in this transition. I feel like I can be a sister again instead of a caregiver!” Susan G., AL

“The staff at The Park Danforth was awesome at giving my sister the support and comfort she needed to feel like she belonged. Along with supporting my sister, they also supported me in this transition. I feel like I can be a sister again instead of a caregiver!” Susan G., AL